You can never be too careful when it comes to roofing safety. Whether you are installing, repairing, or simply doing some seasonal cleaning, it is important to take the proper safety precautions. One wrong move could land you in the bushes, or even worse, the ER. Here are some helpful tips to ensure that you stay safe when working on your roof.
- Always make sure your ladder is secure on a solid, level surface. If this surface is a deck or concrete, be sure to place a solid heavy object behind the feet of the ladder to avoid slipping or sliding. If you are setting up your ladder in the grass or dirt, consider digging holes to place the feet in to avoid sliding.
- Avoid getting on your roof when it is wet. A wet roof can be extremely slippery, especially if there are leaves and other debris on it. Make sure to wait for at least 24 hours after it rains to ensure the roof is fully dried out.
- If possible, consider wearing a safety harness. Attaching a harness to a roof anchor can prevent you from falling and causing severe injury.
- Consider several types of safety gear, including eye protection and a hard hat. Most importantly, ensure that your footwear has good traction to prevent slipping.
- Keep your work area clean. Clear out any roofing nails and other debris to avoid tripping over something and causing injury.
- Keep an eye on the forecast. Storms can roll in quickly, bringing heavy rain and wind that can sweep you off your feet. Plan
- Avoid distractions. You may have a beautiful view from your roof but don’t let it distract you and cause you to lose your balance. It is also important not to look down if you are afraid of heights.
- Ensure all power tools are working properly and fully charged, so you can avoid having to climb up and down your ladder multiple times. Be extremely careful when operating, as you could cause serious injury if you slip and fall. Also, be conscious of any corded tools that may pose a tripping hazard.
- Guard any skylights or openings that could easily be damaged or cause a safety hazard. Make sure you are aware of these as you move about the roof.
- Most importantly, never work on a roof alone. If you don’t have someone up on the roof helping you, make sure you have someone monitoring the situation from the ground, who can hold the ladder in place.
When it comes to roofing safety, don’t be a hero and try to take on projects by yourself if you’re not totally comfortable. Give us a call today and one of our roofing experts will be out to give you a quote on any project you are considering.